Mycolic Acid Synthesis Enzymes

Mycolic acid synthesis enzymes are a group of proteins essential for the biosynthesis of mycolic acids, which are long-chain fatty acids unique to the cell walls of Mycobacterium species, including *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. These enzymes play a critical role in constructing the complex and impermeable mycobacterial cell envelope, contributing to virulence and resistance to antibiotics. Key enzymes include Fatty Acid Synthase I (FAS-I), Fatty Acid Synthase II (FAS-II), Polyketide synthase 13 (Pks13), and corynebacterineae mycolate reductase A (CmrA). Inhibition of these enzymes is a validated approach for antitubercular therapy.

Other names

FAS-IFAS-IIPks13CmrAKasAKasBInhACyclopropane synthases

Inhibition of mycolic acid synthesis enzymes disrupts the mycobacterial cell wall, leading to cell death.